Expert Advice on Green Buildings

BioSmart Far Infrared Space Heater

Product Review provided by: Claire Moloney, Cornell University
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Product Review

The BioSmart Far Infrared Heater uses infrared heat technology, which is similar to the heat of the sun, to heat spaces of up to 1,000 square feet. Infrared heat makes the BioSmart more energy efficient than a typical space heater.

The BioSmart is portable and comes with a remote control. It uses a quiet, high output fan, which reduces noise. It will last a minimum of 30,000 hours and has a 5-year warranty.

Cost Savings of the BioSmart Infrared Heater

Based on the national average of 10 cents per kilowatt hour, the BioSmart Far Infrared Heater can heat a 1,000 square foot space for 8 hours at only $1.20.

On average, the BioSmart uses 35% less energy than conventional electric furnace and baseboard heating systems. BioSmart claims that the heater can pay for itself in as little as three months.

This is partially because infrared is very penetrating, so the temperature can be set a few degrees below your preferred heat setting. Additionally, the heater acts as zone heating, which heating experts claim can save 35-50% on energy costs. BioSmart claims that the heater can pay for itself in as little as three months.

Indoor Air Quality and BioSmart Space Heater

The BioSmart Infrared Heater has a "Breathe Easy" Edition, which has a 4-stage purification system and optional 5th-stage gas absorption filter. These filters remove bacteria and viruses, allergens, pathogens, VOCs, odors, smoke and toxic fumes.

LEED Credit Overview
 

According to the LEED for New Construction Rating System, space heaters are considered regulated energy, or non-process loads, which are included in the energy simulation for the LEED project. Therefore, the BioSmart Far Infrared Space Heater may contribute to the following credits:

Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance (0 points)

This credit establishes a minimum level of energy efficiency for buildings, based on energy costs. Since BioSmart's space heaters can reduce heating costs by an average of 35%, they can help to achieve this prerequisite.

EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance (1-19 points)

This credit rewards LEED projects for achieving energy efficiency beyond the minimum set forth in EA Prerequisite 2. Points are awarded based on the energy cost savings percentage - the higher the percentage, the greater the number of points awarded. Again, the BioSmart helps reduces energy costs for heating by 35%, contributing to this credit.

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Expert Advice and Comments

STAY AWAY from this product

This product and company sucks. I had 2 of these units and both broke after only a few hours of use. The first unit was replaced however now that the Canadian distributor has gone bankrupt BioSmart wont answer any calls or return any emails. I have been trying for about 3 months now to get a real person but all calls from Canadian numbers are redirected to a voicemail that is ignored. Emails are never answered.
DONT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!! YOU WILL REGRET IT!

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